(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Northumberland County council’s Social Services Committee got a clear picture of how much its warming room was used during the 2025-2026 winter.
“The warming room does serve as a critical support for individuals experiencing homelessness, those who are trying to survive outside,” Associate Director of Housing and Homelessness Rebecca Snelgrove said at the Wednesday meeting.
Snelgrove cited 137 operating days and 2,497 visits by 176 unique individuals, with total expenditures of just over $220,000 for the project. As it was held in an existing county building, she pointed out, there were no rental expenses.
Of their visitors, 71.59% were men. In terms of age, 6.86% were 18-24, 44.12% were 25-40, 43.14% were 41-64, and 5.88% were aged 65-plus.
Attendance increased steadily as the season progressed, with January and February showing the highest volume of visits. And nearly two-thirds of those who came were repeat visitors – 16 of them accessing the space 50 or more times.
Of the expenditures, security services accounted for about $147,000, cleaning costs $28,000. The remainder went for essential supports, including food, winter-warmth supplies and transportation services.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
